If you’ve recently learned you need a root canal, you’re probably wondering what the recovery process is like. When you work with a highly skilled dental specialist like Cheng H. Tai, DDS, you’ll enjoy state-of-the-art treatment in his comfortable Midtown Manhattan, New York, office. Here’s what you need to know about your root canal procedure.
A root canal is a treatment that eliminates infection in the center portion of your tooth, a hollow chamber filled with pulp, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When your pulp becomes infected, there’s no room for inflammation, which is why tooth pain is a leading symptom.
A root canal removes all traces of your infected pulp and replaces it with a synthetic dental material. A custom dental crown covers the external surface area of your treated tooth to create structural stability.
Today’s technology makes root canal procedures far more comfortable and effective than the root canals of decades past. But there are still some things you need to know about properly caring for your tooth after a root canal.
A local anesthetic numbs your mouth before your root canal. It can take an hour or longer for the numbness to wear off, so you should expect to experience a lack of sensation in the area where your root canal was performed.
You should avoid eating until the anesthetic fully wears off. While you’re numb, it’s possible to bite the inside of your cheek or your tongue without realizing it.
While you can resume normal activities soon after your procedure, it’s important to acknowledge that your tooth and gums go through quite a bit during a root canal and deserve special care afterward.
Choose your foods carefully for a few days after your procedure. Focus on soft foods that don’t require a lot of heavy chewing. If you have to wait for your permanent crown to be manufactured, avoid biting down on your temporary crown.
Continue brushing and flossing normally after your root canal. If Dr. Tai provides a special mouthwash to help reduce bacteria, use it as advised.
Take it easy on the root canal treatment area for a few weeks. Before long, your restored tooth will function normally, and you won’t need to do anything other than perform your normal dental hygiene routine.
It’s normal to experience different sensations in your treated tooth for a few weeks after your root canal. But keep an eye out for more pronounced changes. If you experience any of the following, let Dr. Tai know right away:
Your recovery process should be simple and straightforward, so if any of these changes develop, reach out to our office as soon as possible.
To learn more about the root canal procedure and recovery process, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tai today. Call our office at 845-640-3806 or request an appointment via our online booking tool.
